End for the Libertines

Hopes that the Libertines would continue and one day reconcile with Pete Doherty have all but vanished with the news that cofounder Carl Barat has signed a £1million solo deal.

Barat has signed a long-term, worldwide recording deal with the Vertigo label, owned by the Universal Music group. He joins Eminem and U2 who are part of the Universal stable. He will be managed by Alan McGee, who discovered Oasis, and his first album is due in October.

The Libertines, who recorded for the independent label Rough Trade, found success with their acclaimed debut, Up The Bracket, in 2002, and the band's second album, platinum-selling The Libertines, was released last August. By then Barat had kicked song-writing partner Doherty out after he failed to conquer his drug addictions.

Vertigo managing director, Greg Castell, said: "Carl is one of the greatest talents in modern music. We are delighted to have the opportunity of working closely with him."